Forensic DNA Testing

Comparing the DNA sequences of one individual to another helps to understand if one was derived from another or not. This is exactly what we can find out from Forensic DNA testing.

How does Forensic DNA Testing work?

DNA sequences of one life form do not match with that of another. This is the basic fact that helps distinguish one human being from another. For this the forensic scientists make use of 13 DNA regions known as loci to create a DNA profile of that person. The chances of finding another person with the exact combination are very rare.

Uses of Forensic DNA Testing:

DNA testing has been around for a while now and in recent times, forensic DNA testing has claimed fame far and wide. This test helps in various ways:

  • It helps people to establish paternity or ancestry relationships and help them get back with their family or relatives. In custody cases, it helps to solve the disputes.

  • It helps the easy identification of those who lost their lives in a crime or a catastrophe. For example this test was what helped people recognise their dear ones after September 11, 2001 World Trade Center aftermath.

  • It helps the police to identify potential suspects in murder or similar cases taking leads from the crime scene. Similarly it also helps to acquit wrongly punished people.

  • It helps the researchers to detect organisms that are polluting our resources like water, air, soil or food.

  • It helps the wildlife activists to identify and preserve endangered species of animals.

  • It helps customs to authenticate consumables like caviar or wine.

  • It helps doctors to help patients use organs donated in transplantation programs.

  • It helps in agriculture research like determining the pedigree for seed or livestock breed.

Technologies used in Forensic DNA Testing:

Different method of Forensic DNA testing is used for the above purposes. These include:

  1. RFLP Analysis:

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) is a technique that analyses the resulting DNA fragments according to their variable lengths. These are obtained from the reaction of a special kind of enzyme – a restrict endonuclease.

  1. PCR Analysis:

Polymerase Chain Reaction is a process that helps you to make a million exact copies of the DNA from the biological sample collected. This helps to analyse even samples that have been highly degraded.

  1. STR Analysis:

Short Tandem Repeat is a technology used by the FBI for operating their CODIS used to maintain a large database. STR helps to analyse the specific loci within each nuclear DNA.

  1. Mitochondrial DNA Analysis:

Where one fails to get results from either of the above tests, this test is used. This is useful specially to make analysis of a potential maternal relative as all mothers have the same mitochondrial DNA as their offspring.

  1. Y-Chromosome Analysis:

This one is used specially for paternal side analysis as the Y chromosome is directly passed on from father to son.

Conclusion:

Forensic scientists are working on refining this finding further so that they can precisely make individual identification only using the DNA test. The DNA profile or DNA fingerprint is the actual result of Forensic DNA Testing.

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